Abstract: Objective To investigate the related factors of dental caries among 3- to 5-year-old children in Jiangsu Province and to provide information support for oral health care service. Methods The sampling process was conducted with a multistage stratified equal capacity method. A total of 1 337 children were recruited. Their parents or grandparents completed a questionnaire during a face-to-face interview. Related factors of dental caries were statistically analyzed. Results A total of 29.92% children started toothbrushing before 3 years old, 33.13% children brushed their teeth twice a day, 17.27% children used toothpaste with fluoride, 58.26% children had at least one kind of sugary food or drink every day, 9.95% children often had desserts before bedtime. Only 28.05% children never had desserts before sleep. A total of 81.90% parents had positive attitude towards oral health while only 24.08% had a higher level of oral health knowledge, and only 17.13% helped their children brush teeth every day. Logistic regression analysis showed a positive correlation between age and caries risk, and children living in rural areas were associated with a higher probability of caries. Conclusion Preschool children in Jiangsu Province have poor eating habits and oral hygiene behaviors and their parents have insufficient oral health knowledge. Therefore, oral health education should be strengthened among preschool children and their parents, especially in rural areas.

Key words: 3- to 5-year-old children, dental caries, related factors, logistic regression analysis